Wanna See The Cherry Blossoms In Japan? Here's How To Plan Your Trip In 2023
Take note of all these important dates and places!
Published for Klook, 20 Mar 2023, 01:38 PM
If there's one thing you need to experience in Japan, it's seeing cherry blossoms, or sakura, in full bloom. <3
However, before you book your trip, there are a few important things to know, so you don't end up travelling all the way only to miss it! :'(
Typically, Japan's cherry blossom season takes place between March and April, but the exact dates depend on the location and weather. It starts from the south of Japan, sometimes as early as January, and ends in the northern areas like Hokkaido, as late as May.
The thing about cherry blossoms is that they only last around two weeks.
First, take note of the flowering period (kaika), or when the trees start blooming — you can refer to the Japan Meteorological Corporation for forecast updates. Next, the most important dates are when the cherry blossoms reach full bloom (mankai), where you'll see sakura flowers at their fullest, most gorgeous state.
Since the full bloom period lasts only a few days, you should definitely plan your visit ahead of time and make sure you get your dates right before booking your flights.
Depending on which region you're visiting in Japan, here's a forecast of important dates, as of 2 March 2023:
Excited to plan your visit? In partnership with Klook, we've compiled some of the most popular spots in Japan for cherry blossom viewing:
1. Mount Fuji, Honshu
Known as the highest mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji is a bucket list destination for many.
The base on the mountain is surrounded by five stunning lakes, which also happen to be some of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in the region.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can make a stop at Mount Fuji 5th Station and be mesmerised by the breathtaking sceneries of the five lakes from an elevation of 2,300m above sea level.
While you're here, you can also take a ride up the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, while witnessing the beautiful Lake Kawaguchiko below.
Other attractions in the area include Yamanashi Orchard for seasonal Japanese fruits, as well as the Shibazakura Festival or Lake Yamanaka Flower Park, where you’ll be surrounded by a sea of flowers.
Check out this one-day cherry blossom tour at Mount Fuji here which includes a fruit buffet, transportation and more!
2. Gunma, Kanto
Gunma Prefecture is known for its hot springs, mountain hiking trails, and ski slopes. Touted as an adventure playground, the region provides adrenaline seekers activities to do all year around.
But that's not all. The cherry trees in Gunma Prefecture usually blossom just a few days after those in Tokyo, making it a great spot to visit if you missed the cherry blossoms in the capital.
Take in the beauty of the sakura blossoms at Takatsudokyo Gorge, Mizunuma Station Onsen Center, Iwafune fruit park, Ashikaga Flower Park, and Hanyu Service Area.
You can even board the Watarase Valley Railway for a leisurely ride with scenic views of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Be sure to sign up for this day tour of Gunma, which includes a 30-minute all-you-can-eat strawberry picking activity.
3. Miura and Yokohama, Kanagawa
Two places in Kanagawa worth checking out for cherry blossoms is Miura and Yokohama. Both of these spots are nearby Tokyo — Miura sits on a peninsula at the entrance to Tokyo Bay, while Yokohama is a port city south of the capital.
Besides its white sand beaches, Miura is also known for its 1,000 Kawazu cherry trees that line the 1km railway tracks from Keikyu Miura Kaigan Station to Komatsugaike Park.
While you're visiting Miura, enjoy a taste of the freshest seafood at the Urari Marché, a seafood market that is popular among locals and tourists alike.
Then, take a trip up to Yokohama and visit Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a historical shipping bay that has also become a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
Enjoy this one-day trip, where you'll get to see cherry trees as well as other attractions at Miura and Yokohama.
4. Yodogawa Kasen Park, Kyoto
Kyoto is known as a historic city, having served as Japan's capital and emperor's residence for over 1,000 years. Visitors will find countless temples, shrines, palaces, and other priceless structures preserved well in the city.
Aside from its culture, Kyoto also comes to life during the cherry blossom season, with pink flowers blooming in abundance across the city and countryside.
One of the best places to enjoy cherry blossom viewing is Yodogawa Kasen Park Sewari Area, which is located near the border of Osaka. Here, three rivers join together to merge into the Yodogawa River.
Enjoy strolling under a cherry blossom tunnel formed by rows of cherry trees, or laze on the riverside lawn while taking in the beauty of the season.
Don't miss your chance to visit three of the best sakura blossom viewing spots in Kyoto with this one-day tour from Osaka.
5. Mount Yoshino, Nara
Located in southern Nara, Yoshino is best known for Mount Yoshino, where you'll get to experience the spectacular sight of 30,000 cherry trees covering the mountain.
This area can get crowded during cherry blossom season, but there are still some quiet spots you can find to enjoy the blooms.
While you're in Nara, you can also visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to a 15m-tall Buddha.
Nara Park is also renowned for its free-roaming deer, and you can buy deer crackers to feed them.
Discover over 200 kinds of cherry trees at Mount Yoshino on this one-day trip from Osaka.
6. Mount Matsuda, Hakone
If you're looking for a place to venture beyond Tokyo, one place worth visiting is Mount Matsuda in Hakone, which offers cherry blossoms with a unique backdrop of Mount Fuji.
Hakone is famous for its hot springs and natural beauty, and boasts a unique view of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashinoko. You can also board the Hakone Pirate Ship for an unforgettable ride, with stunning views of Japan's most famous mountain.
Marvel at the lush pink foliage of the Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms, one of the earliest-blooming sakura blossoms, as well as the sublime yellow sea of Nanohana flowers.
You can also view the cherry blossoms near Odawara Castle, another popular attraction in Hakone.
Go on a sightseeing trip to Hakone and view the cherry blossoms in a different light.
Wherever you decide to visit in Japan, KLOOK has got you covered with some of the best cherry blossom tour packages.
And while you're there, make the most of your trip by discovering the country's unique food culture, elaborate theme parks, and other attractions!
For foodies, you won't want to miss this tonkotsu ramen tasting tour or Tsukiji Fish Market tour where you'll get to eat like the locals do.
Whether you want to visit Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disneysea, or Universal Studios Japan, Klook has also got you covered with promotional ticket prices, yay!
Those who enjoy the arts will definitely appreciate teamLab Planets, while animal lovers can consider travelling to Hokkaido to see the best of the island's polar bears, penguins, and seals.
That's not all, you can also save more by getting Klook travel passes, where you can pay a fixed price to visit multiple attractions and enjoy free transportation.
Ready to plan your trip to Japan? Save up to RM160 when you travel with Klook from now till 30 April. Find out more on their website.
